The oceans and coasts have always played an integral role for life on Earth as well as for human civilization – indeed, their presence, influence, and even control over human activities are ubiquitous and indispensable.

According to the WWF, oceans cover about 70% of our planet’s surface and represent 95% of all the space available. They produce 70% of our oxygen, regulate the absorption and distribution of heat around the world, and they control global climate. Oceans serve as home to millions and millions of species, with the range of marine biodiversity being far superior to that of land. We turn to the oceans for various aspects of human life: food, medicine, recreation, transportation of goods across the globe to different continents and countries, for energy and natural resources, and so on. Whether we live by the oceans or not – and many of us do (approximately 60% of the world population live within 60 km of a coast) – numerous aspects of our lives are touched by, and depend on, the services that oceans provide.

The coasts are equally important contributors to the ecosystem and in enriching human life. For example, though making up only 10% of the environment, the coasts host over 90% of all marine species and boast the highest number of nutrients of all marine environments. Coastal ecosystems can support a diverse marine life and generate much of the biodiversity present in the larger oceanic system, while coastal regions provide many of the goods derived from the oceans, such as fish, oil, or gas.

Preserving the Ocean and the Coast: the Bigger Context

Yet, decades and decades of human activities in the oceans and coasts – which some may call abuse – have taken their toll. From overfishing and other damaging methods of fishing, industrial pollution, to reckless development, oceans and coasts have been the objects of human exploitation.

Moreover, the degradation of the marine and coastal environment must be treated with immediate and urgent care because it takes place in the wider context of a rapidly deteriorating planet and damaged ecosystems in general, which have far-reaching implications for our ability to meet other international development goals.

Seen together with the effects of climate change with which it is interlinked, the deterioration of ecosystems and the corrosion of the marine and coastal environment represent a global emergency situation, with broad implications for all of humanity that requires significant and bold measures.

Indeed, the issue of marine and coastal preservation is a critical question of historic importance, and the whole of the international community must come together in order to build consensus on the actions to be taken – and this is at the heart of the EXPO Yeosu 2012’s message to the world.

With its theme, “The Living Ocean and Coast: Diversity of Resources and Sustainable Activities,” held the year the Kyoto Protocol will expire and the 10th anniversary of the Johannesburg Summit, EXPO Yeosu 2012 hopes to provide momentum to a renewed international framework of action to combat climate change and promote responsible and sustainable development, so that a healthy, living ocean and the coast may be preserved.